This text was written in 1990 and presents evidence for a possible transformation of the Platonic concept of mimesis into a theory of literature by Aristotle. In addition it presents the basic aspects of the Aristotelian method as evidenced in his work ‘Poetics’. It also examines the way in which the contemporary literary criticism conceptualises mimesis.
When dealing with the “Poetics” of Aristotle, we can select (as a tool through which we will better analyse the concept of literature which he has produced) between the analysis of some standard – basic concepts which are found in his treatise; for example the concept of hamartia, the concept of katharsis, the concept of simple and complex tragedy, the concept of mimesis or to analyze the tragic character as it is presented in Aristotle.
I chose to use the concept of mimesis since, it is a more technical concept (or at least semi-technical) and in this way it is more related to the technical analysis of the contemporary literary criticism.
I also chose this tool in order to check if the theory of mimesis in Aristotle and in Plato coincide or not (some authors take it as synonymous).
The text is divided into six parts.
- The first part will deal with a fictional presentation (view) of when the concept of imitation first appeared.
- The second part I will deal with the duplicity of the ‘mimeisthai’ in Plato’s works.
- In the third part I will present two basic differences in the way Aristotle and Plato conceive the concept of mimesis .
- In the fourth part I’ll deal with the basic concepts of Aris-totle’s method (formal analysis).
- In the fifth part I will examine the concept of pleasure in Aristotle’s Poetics.
- The sixth part will deal with theories which tried to bring something of the technicalities and the spirit of the Aristotelian analysis in our century. I will also present the modern schools of literary criticism which make much of what Plato disqualifies in mimesis: the mask, the disappearance of the author, the simulacrum, anonymity, apocryphal textuality and so on.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- "The First Appearance" of the Concept of Imitation
- The Evolution of the Concept of Mimesis in Plato's Thought
- The Two Basic Differences in the Way Plato and Aristotle Conceive the Concept of Mimesis
- The Basic Concepts of Aristotle's Method (Formal Analysis) of Literature
- The Concept of Pleasure in Aristotle's Poetics
- The Mimesis in Our Century (A Brief Overview)
- Chicago School, Myth Criticism
- The New Criticism, Phenomenological and Existential Criticism, Hermeneutics, Reader-Response Criticism, Literary Structuralism, Semiotics
- De-Constructive Criticism
- Epilogue
Objectives and Key Themes
This work aims to analyze Aristotle's concept of mimesis as a theory of literature, comparing it to Plato's understanding and tracing its evolution through contemporary literary criticism. The author explores the technical aspects of mimesis in Aristotle's Poetics, examining its relationship to concepts like pleasure and formal analysis.
- Comparison of Plato's and Aristotle's conceptions of mimesis.
- Analysis of Aristotle's method of formal literary analysis.
- The role of pleasure in Aristotle's Poetics.
- Evolution of the concept of mimesis in 20th-century literary criticism.
- The challenges of interpreting Aristotle's Poetics.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis of Aristotle's concept of mimesis, outlining the author's approach and methodology. The author explains the choice of focusing on mimesis as a key concept for understanding Aristotle's theory of literature, arguing for its technical relevance and its potential to illuminate the differences between Plato's and Aristotle's perspectives. The author also acknowledges the inherent difficulties in interpreting Aristotle, citing Hirsch's work on the challenges of understanding meaning across different perspectives and emphasizing the potential for introducing modern biases into interpretations of ancient texts.
"The First Appearance" of the Concept of Imitation: This chapter delves into a hypothetical exploration of the origins of the concept of imitation, providing a fictionalized account of its early emergence. While not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the chapter sets the historical context for the later development and discussion of mimesis in Plato and Aristotle’s philosophies.
The Evolution of the Concept of Mimesis in Plato's Thought: This chapter traces the development of the concept of mimesis in Plato's work, highlighting its duplicity and evolving interpretations within his philosophical framework. It lays the groundwork for comparing and contrasting Plato's and Aristotle's understanding of the concept, preparing the reader for a deeper understanding of Aristotle's innovations.
The Two Basic Differences in the Way Plato and Aristotle Conceive the Concept of Mimesis: This chapter focuses on the key distinctions between Plato and Aristotle's perspectives on mimesis. It highlights how Aristotle adapted and transformed Plato's negative view of mimetic arts into a positive contribution to the development of a theory of literature. The chapter emphasizes the significance of Aristotle's adjustments to the concept of mimesis as a foundation for creating a formal method of literary analysis.
The Basic Concepts of Aristotle's Method (Formal Analysis) of Literature: This chapter examines the core components of Aristotle's formal method of literary analysis. It explains how Aristotle’s modifications to the understanding of mimesis enabled the creation of this analytical approach. The chapter explores the theoretical underpinnings of Aristotle's methodology and its lasting impact on literary criticism.
The Concept of Pleasure in Aristotle's Poetics: This chapter delves into the significance of pleasure in Aristotle's Poetics, recognizing its importance despite not being a strictly technical concept. The author explores how the concept of pleasure fits within the overall framework of Aristotle's theory, completing the chain of his method and contributing to the understanding of the aesthetic dimensions of his work. Different interpretations of Aristotle's texts on this topic are highlighted to emphasize the inherent challenges in interpreting his work.
The Mimesis in Our Century (A Brief Overview): This chapter provides a concise overview of the various schools of 20th-century literary criticism that engaged with the concept of mimesis, including the Chicago School, myth criticism, the New Criticism, phenomenological and existential criticism, hermeneutics, reader-response criticism, literary structuralism, semiotics, and deconstructive criticism. The chapter showcases how the original concept of mimesis continues to shape and inspire modern literary theory and practice.
Keywords
Mimesis, Aristotle, Plato, Poetics, literary criticism, formal analysis, pleasure, imitation, 20th-century literary theory, Chicago School, New Criticism, hermeneutics, semiotics, deconstruction.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Guide to Mimesis in Literary Criticism
What is the main focus of this work?
This work analyzes Aristotle's concept of mimesis as a theory of literature. It compares Aristotle's understanding of mimesis to Plato's, tracing its evolution through contemporary literary criticism. The analysis explores the technical aspects of mimesis in Aristotle's Poetics, examining its relationship to concepts like pleasure and formal analysis.
What are the key themes explored in this text?
Key themes include a comparison of Plato's and Aristotle's conceptions of mimesis; an analysis of Aristotle's method of formal literary analysis; the role of pleasure in Aristotle's Poetics; the evolution of the concept of mimesis in 20th-century literary criticism; and the challenges of interpreting Aristotle's Poetics.
How does this text compare Plato and Aristotle's views on mimesis?
The text highlights the significant differences between Plato's and Aristotle's understanding of mimesis. While Plato viewed mimetic arts negatively, Aristotle transformed this view into a positive contribution to literary theory. The text details how Aristotle's adaptation of the concept formed the basis for his method of formal literary analysis.
What is Aristotle's method of formal literary analysis, and how does it relate to mimesis?
The text examines the core components of Aristotle's formal method, showing how his revised understanding of mimesis enabled the creation of this analytical approach. It explores the theoretical underpinnings of Aristotle's methodology and its lasting influence on literary criticism.
What role does pleasure play in Aristotle's Poetics?
The text explores the significance of pleasure in Aristotle's Poetics, acknowledging its importance within the framework of his theory. It discusses how the concept of pleasure contributes to understanding the aesthetic dimensions of his work, highlighting different interpretations to emphasize the challenges of interpreting his writings.
How does this text address the interpretation of Aristotle's work?
The text acknowledges the inherent difficulties in interpreting Aristotle's work, citing Hirsch's work on the challenges of understanding meaning across different perspectives and emphasizing the potential for modern biases to influence interpretations of ancient texts. Different interpretations of various aspects of Aristotle's Poetics are presented throughout the text.
Which schools of 20th-century literary criticism are discussed in relation to mimesis?
The text provides an overview of several influential schools of 20th-century literary criticism that engaged with mimesis, including the Chicago School, myth criticism, the New Criticism, phenomenological and existential criticism, hermeneutics, reader-response criticism, literary structuralism, semiotics, and deconstructive criticism. It shows how the concept of mimesis has continued to influence modern literary theory and practice.
What are the key chapters and their contents?
The text includes an introduction setting the stage for the analysis; chapters detailing the hypothetical origins of imitation, the evolution of mimesis in Plato's thought, and a comparison of Plato and Aristotle's views; chapters dedicated to Aristotle's method of formal analysis and the concept of pleasure in his Poetics; and a concluding chapter offering a brief overview of mimesis in 20th-century literary criticism. Each chapter offers a summary of its main points.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Key words include: Mimesis, Aristotle, Plato, Poetics, literary criticism, formal analysis, pleasure, imitation, 20th-century literary theory, Chicago School, New Criticism, hermeneutics, semiotics, and deconstruction.
- Quote paper
- George Dimos (Author), 1990, From The Aristotelian “Mimesis” to the Contemporary One, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/368504
